Mike Fleming over at Deadline is hearing word Darren Aronofsky is once again courting actors for his biblical epic ‘Noah.’ With both Christian Bale and Michael Fassbender passing on the epic, the ‘Black Swan’ director is now said to be eyeing Russell Crowe (‘Man of Steel,’ ‘The Man with the Iron Fists’) for the title role.

While all signs are pointing towards Crowe taking the role, a deal has yet to be signed. A tweet from Variety’s Jeff Sneider reveals that the Australian actor is also rumoured to be in the mix for the José Padilha-directed remake of ‘Robocop,’ which is scheduled to shoot at the same time as ‘Noah.’

Deadline adds that ‘The Grey’ star Liam Neeson is also up for an unspecified role. There is talk that Neeson could be up for the role of the film’s antagonist; a “villainous figure” that is skeptical of Noah’s plans to build an ark and save the world. We shall have to wait and see.